Volcano

Black Chasm Cavern, a National Natural Landmark found in Volcano.

Volcano is a town in Amador County, California.

Understand

Volcano is a small town with a population of only 115 persons (2010 Census). Despite the name, it is not on or near a volcano. The name came from early miners who thought the bowl-shaped valley where the town is was a volcanic crater. In the 1850s, Volcano was a booming mine town but the years following brought a steady decline to its current population.

Get in

Volcano is 3 miles north of California State Route 88, which connects with California 99 to the west and US 395 to the east.

Do

• 1 Black Chasm Cavern, 15701 Pioneer Volcano Rd, ☏ +1 209 736-2708. Sep-May - daily: 10AM-4PM, Jun-Aug - daily 9AM-5PM. The Cavern is a small three-level cave containing outstanding helictite crystal formations and is listed as National Natural Landmark. 13 and older: $14.95, 3-12: $7.95.  

Buy

• Kneading Dough Bakery, 16154 Main St, ☏ +1 209 296-4663. 
• Volcano Gallery, 16105 Main St, ☏ +1 209 296-3334, bpbenker@volcano.net. Art gallery featuring jewelry, photography, Native American art work, ceramics, sculptures, water and oil paintings. 

Eat

• Country Store, 16146 Main St, ☏ +1 209 296-4459. Hamburgers and sandwiches are served in this real life country store where you can also go shopping for basic staples. under $10. 
• Union Pub, 21375 Consolation St, ☏ +1 209 296-7711, fax: +1 209 296-7727, hello@volcanounion.com. F: 3PM-9PM, Sa: Noon-9PM, Su: 10AM-8PM, Mo: 5PM-8PM. $10-23. 

Sleep

• 1 St. George Hotel, 16104 Main St, ☏ +1 209-296-4458, stgeorgevolcano@gmail.com. 
• 2 Volcano Union Inn, 21375 Consolation St., ☏ +1 209 296-7711, fax: +1 209 296-7727, hello@volcanounion.com. Four rooms, each with its own decor, are available. No pets, and children are not recommended. $89-139 plus 6% Amador County tax and $1.00 visitor information services fee.